I got to Banff and was immediately overwhelmed by its majestic beauty…

Then the magic started happening and I was getting ready for my presentation at the Devil’s Gap for the event “So you want to ski in the movies.” I was presenting with other amazing people including Mike Douglas, Tristan Tafel, Nick Waggoner (Sweetgrass Productions, their new movie “Solitaire” is absolutely breathtaking!), Sam Giffin (Downhill Affair with Molly Baker and Zack Giffin), and Spencer Francey (Chasing Winter productions, field producer for “the Art of Flight”). I was a bit nervous before the presentation because there were some issues with the A/V and I had worked so tirelessly on the slideshow I was going to show to illustrate how women are killing it in the snow sports these days. Of  course as things do, they worked out, and the slideshow played brilliantly. Or so I thought….

I spoke about the need to create your life story based on what you love to do and always be challenging yourself to take your life to the next level, not necessarily search endlessly for sponsors in order to get a UPS package in the mail. I guess what I had to say had a pretty profound affect on some people! I was given so many compliments on my speech, including by Josh Dueck, who’s movie “Freedom Chair” (produced and directed by Mike Douglas) was one of the most inspirational stories I had ever seen. I was truly flattered. Here is a picture that Spencer snapped of me when I was blushing from Josh’s comment “Straight up inspiring, Claire.” Wow!!

One of the most significant parts of the evening for me, however, was the neverending story of getting to see you and your best friends succeed in making your dreams come true. So for me it was really about seeing Molly and Zack there–not just because they were in Banff for the festival–but because they were there starring in a movie that Zack’s brother Sam made about their love story. So for me it was really cool to see how Molly and I have evolved through the years. She is, after all, my oldest friend in freeskiing and remains to be one of my best friends. We had an incredible weekend dancing and laughing together, watching inspirational speakers and films, and continuing the weave the fabric of our own adventures together. Huge thanks to Molly, Zack, Sam, and Shaya for their support and just general good vibes that I will always miss (when they’re not around!)

There was this one dance move called the Smallwood that got busted out…I think there are some new pros in town!! Shaya and Zack reppin’ a big SMALLWOOD

So in Banff they love to put empty bottles and cans upside down in drinks. I like it. It reminds me of…well, I can’t say I’ve ever seen it before so now it’s going to remind me of Banff! The Chihuahua at the Magpie & Stump (by the way, their nachos are KILLER!)

And the Eddie’s Trash Can, don’t ask me what’s in it, I just took the picture..haha…

Again, a huge thanks to the crew at the Banff Ski Lounge for their awesome support and stoke! They are all proud reppers of the SJ Girafficorn hats!

I made a great friend when I was in Banff…Michelle Locke (below) is a rippin’ snowboarder and a total freelance adventurer just like myself! Her and her boyfriend Rob made my stay just that much better. She is a huge supporter of SheJumps (with many other Banffettes) and I’m super stoked to see her spirit help to carry the vision of SheJumps out in CANADA! Thanks Michelle!

Of other incredibly notable experience during my time in Banff was ice skating on a completely clear, frozen, and beautiful Lake Johnson, ou bien, Lac Johnson parce que on parle aussi le français au Canada…je pourrais m’habituer de vivre la bás…





Super sad when great trips have to come to an end. Thank you so much to Spencer for showing me around and to everyone else who made my time in Banff so unforgettable. Next up: making a movie about skiing in Patagonia to be featured in the Banff Mountain Film Festival next year…A huge thanks to my sponsors HOT CHILLYS and FLYLOW Gear for their endless support of my adventure!

I made it home to Alta and another huge dream has come true for me! I am the caretaker of the Brighton Chalet this year. So this is my view from my desk. No pity party for me!

And it’s snowing now!!!